The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of the state as part of intensified security operations aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and made available to PUNCH Metro.
According to the statement, the closures affect selected markets and motor parks in parts of the Kogi West Senatorial District and adjoining areas, as security agencies intensify coordinated clearance operations.
Fanwo said the move was designed to disrupt criminal logistics by restricting movement and cutting off access to food supplies, consumables and other forms of support used by terrorists and their informants.
He explained that the operations were being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state.
“The temporary shutdown is intended to deny criminals freedom of movement and access to logistics during the security exercise,” he said.
The directive affects communities across seven local government areas of the state.
In Lokoja Local Government Area, affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as markets and motor parks in Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon.
In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the closure applies to markets and motor parks in Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu and Agbede Apa Bunu.
For Yagba West Local Government Area, affected communities include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.
In Yagba East Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin have also been shut temporarily.
In the Kogi Local Government Area, the directive applies to the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, and Girinya; the Okro Market at Opanda; and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro Local Government Area are also affected.
In Ijumu Local Government Area, the following markets will remain closed throughout the duration of the operations: Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro.
The government stressed that the closures were strictly temporary and would be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security exercise.
PUNCH Metro reports that Kogi State has witnessed a resurgence of banditry in recent times.
Last year, suspected criminals attempted to attack the Obajana operational base but were repelled by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the arrest of several suspects.
